Psychedelic drug use linked to fewer mental health problems
(http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwhp99D2OX1qkc741o1_500.png)
CREDIT: http://imgfave.com/view/1911372
Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science have found, using data from the US National Survey on Drug use, that people, " who'd used psychedelics at least once or more over the past year," suffered fewer mental health issues.
Of course, the link may not be causal and could in fact show that people with less mental health issues are more likely to choose to take psychedelics. The research does fly in the face of the idea that psychedelics are harmful and lead to mental health problems. In fact amphetamine derived diet pills are probably far more detrimental to your mental health than most psychedelics.
QuotePsychedelic drugs include LSD, magic mushrooms and the peyote cactus, which contains the active ingredient mescalin. They work by sticking to chemical receptors on nerve cells instead of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has an influence on emotion and mood. Using psychedelics can change perceptions and lead to altered states of consciousness and hallucinations. Hallucinogens are used by many for recreation, but they've also been used through human history in rituals and religious ceremonies.
While evidence suggests that psychedelics are not addictive and don't cause brain harm, "trips" can induce temporary anxiety that eventually wears off. But despite arguments that LSD and magic mushrooms should be considered as low-risk, they are classified as a Class A drug alongside heroin, cocaine and ecstasy.
While the study found a statistical association with fewer mental health problems, the findings don't establish whether use of psychedelics directly leads to better mental health. Although other factors, such as gender, use of other illicit drugs and exposure to stressful events were adjusted for, the results point to a pattern, not a cause.
http://theconversation.com/psychedelic-drug-use-linked-to-fewer-mental-health-problems-17295
It could be that the use of psychedelics lets off some steam and heads some mental health problems off at the pass.
Shasta
Great article Pim!!
I personally believe it has everything to do with these types of hallucinogenics being of the "Organic" types, because we all know that man made engineered drugs and such create more problems due to the reason why they were being researched for benefit in the first place.
I am a Product of the 60's, and am totally familiar with aspects of all that would be considered "Organic Hallucinogen's" and I for one see only issues with the stuff man has tried to incorporate into their arsenal's of mind control and rather tasteless act's it imposes upon mans Psychic. IMHO ;)
If you knew or know what, how and why it does what it does, the mind can function with in these parameter's of Psychedelic testing, if it is secretly put with in your body, it becomes a "Fear Factor" from the lack of knowledge of being induced. This then creates the "Paranoia" effect that causes people to go over the edge, not knowing what is happening to them during such inducement's.
Very interesting none the less, even though this part of my life has been long gone by now!! Was a "TRIP!!" :P
But, if you are drug free, regardless, stay that way, because what you have no knowledge of, you can never miss. ;)
1WW
Interesting subject 8)
I did some experimenting in the 80's ::)
but i didn't like hallucinogens, i didn't like not having full control of mind, body or emotion.
I can do all that just by hitting the whiskey too much ::)
But those indian shamen, they saw a lot off good things when they smoked them pipes & ate the peyote.
They should do that at Congress 8) 8)
I am sure we all know people who do not drink , smoke and exercise regular and are careful with their diet & health addicted... but end up having some mental & health problems..
Then you get other people who drink , smoke, do not exercise and do not watch their diet or monitor their health and have no mental or health problems..
I think that it can be Ok to drink and take drugs...as long as people do not drink severely or take drugs where they become out of control , that they would be acting irresponsible and a danger to themselves & others...But to drink or take certain drugs in moderation, at the right time & in the right place can help calm a person & that it can be good for their mental health & stimulation...
Many normal people may be put off taking Drugs for fear of breaking the law which the Governments convince us as being wrong...
Yet if What the likes of Alex Jones says in true, and they are involved with the likes of the CIA aiding & shipping drugs into various 1st world countries...& then later arresting any of its citizens if they are caught with them....then I do question that they may actually trying to prevent the masses from taking something that actually could be very beneficial to them... if it helps people lower their stress & mental problems... I do wonder if it could actually help prevent certain mental problems like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, strokes, dementia.. by relaxing the brains stress in certain ways....as long as they do it in moderation & that it does not lead them to wanting stronger and stronger harder type drugs..
I have not been active drug taker myself ( At least Not knowingly / intentionally... unless they have been in certain foods that I was not aware off. :-\ ) or big drinker in my past...But I do question if I may had been better mentally if I had...
I had a friend who used to smoke certain things that I used to share a car with when I went to a college one time...and he was very calm & good to get on with when he was smoking a joint....and while being a passenger I could not help inhaling the smoke & it used to make me very drowsy & relaxed..
It also had an effect on him where he would do some risky things while driving...that later as I got to know him did concern me..
IF he did not have a joint.. he would become quite annoying and aggressive and was a different personality....
He had become addicted and could not control himself without his daily intake....
This was the bad side.. but I do think if he could have just restricted his usage.. that it was good in the way it relaxed his mind.. ( and my mind from just inhaling the smoke of the fumes :o )
Seeing that many Ancient tribes around the world have used certain substances in their lives....then they may well have used it for much better use in aiding their mental issues...